Happy Mother’s Day!

      My Mom is in heaven!  That is exciting!  But not having her here, especially on Mother’s Day is still sad!  Semi-sweet at best.   I miss her, a lot!  I have her picture on my credenza and I often look at it and remember.  I miss being able to just pick up the telephone and talk, laugh and be happy.  I miss being able to stop at the house and visit...and eat…fudge, homemade vegetable soup, date cookies, homemade caramels and potato lefse.  

     One of my fondest memories is the time I surprised her on her birthday and was able to stay with her and dad for a couple of days.  It was just me.  I was purposely selfish! I didn’t share the time with my sisters or any other family members.  I remember leaving Galesburg in the morning and arriving at Le Mars at about 6:30 pm.  True to my track record I had forgotten to get a card but by God’s grace the local florist, located right on Highway 75, was open...they had cards and flowers!  I drove over to the house and it was all dark.  My heart sank...they must be gone I thought.  As I walked down the long drive by the side of the house everything was dark.  As I approached the backdoor everything was dark.  As I got on my tip toes I could see a single lamp on and prayed.  I rang the door bell and they were home.  I surprised her with the card and flowers (I was a hero!)  We had a great time just sharing...for two days...I’ll never forget it! It was a very special time! 

     I love my Mom.  She was a dedicated, hard working woman.  She scrubbed floors at Wells Dairy for years so I could attend college.  She was in charge of a clearing crew of two who worked for three hours a day in 1960 and when she retired in 1985 she was the crew leader of seven full time employees!  She taught me on her knee the words of scripture. She took me to Sunday school and church and modeled what it means to love Jesus.  Over the years is has been easy for me to obey God’s 4th commandment (I grew up a Lutheran so I learned it as the 4th.) Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

     Take some extra time to honor your mother this month.  You will be obeying the Lord, you will be blessed with long life and you will not only enjoy it at the time but the memories you have will bless and comfort you in the years to come!

     Can’t wait to see you Sunday!  And remember, I love you…Pastor Curt